Moses Goes to a Concert - by Isaac Millman (Paperback)

About the Book

Moses and his schoolmates, all deaf, attend a concert where the orchestra's percussionist is also deaf. Composed with the help of educators at New York City's School for the Deaf, this book provides a hands-on introduction to American Sign Language with easy-to-follow diagrams. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Isaac Millman tells Moses Goes to a Concert in pictures and written English, and in American Sign Language (ASL), introducing hearing children to the signs for some of the key words and ideas.

Moses and his school friends are deaf, but like most children, they have a lot to say. They communicate in American Sigh Language, using visual signs and facial expressions. This is called signing. And even though they can't hear, they can enjoy many activities through their other senses. Today, Moses and his classmates are going to a concert. Their teacher, Mr. Samuels, has two surprises in store for them, to make this particular concert a special event.

You can learn sign language, too! At the end of the book are two full conversations in sign language and a page showing the hand alphabet.

Review Quotes

"[An] upbeat story." --School Library Journal

"Millman's story, illustrated in delicate watercolors, ought to pop open a few young eyes (and perhaps some adult eyes as well) . . . The power of Millman's book comes from the simple fact that he levels the playing field; of course deaf children go to concerts, but conveying how they enjoy music removes yet one more barrier between those who can hear and those who cannot." --Kirkus Reviews

"Works so well that you wonder why there aren't lots more books like it . . . Deaf children will welcome this joyful story that talks, without condescension, about the fun they have. Hearing kids, too, will want to learn some of the sign language, and with the help of an adult, they can practice the hand alphabet shown at the back of the book." --Starred, Booklist

"Moses is deaf. . .When he goes with his deaf classmates to a concert, they hold balloons in their laps to feel the vibrations. The percussionist in the orchestra is also deaf...and after her wild, wonderful performance, she meets the deaf children, tells them her story (in ASL), and then allows them to try out all her instruments. . .[A] breakthrough picture book." --Starred, Booklist

About the Author

Isaac Millman also wrote and illustrated Moses Goes to School, a Junior Library Guild Selection. He lives in New York City.